Book Review

Introduction:

The AMX-30 was first offered as a 1/35 scale motorized plastic kit by Tamiya back in the 1960s. Several kits followed under Nichimo, Gunze Sangyo and Heller labels in the 70s and 80s, with Heller updating their old kit to AMX-B2 version in 2010. Fortunately, those old kits are now made obsolete by releases from Meng Model (AMX-30B (#TS-003), AMX-30B2 (#TS-013)) and Tiger Model (AMX-30B2 BRENNUS (#4604)). Along with upgrade sets offered by several aftermarket companies, these kits provide an excellent basis for a really good model. But let's face it... many modelers strive for accuracy, incorporating additional details to their builds in order to get as realistic representation of the model as possible. References help tremendously in the process.

One of the latest photo reference books from Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP) deals with AMX-30 and provides a wealth of images showing the subject in great depth. This review covers AMX-30 in Detail (G057).

Review:

As with all WWP books, the first look on this title is very impressive: the paper is of highest quality, the book sections are clearly marked for easy navigation, the images professionally presented. The book consists of 350 large and clear photos showing the AMX-30 in detail. As this is primarily a photo reference book, the accompanying text is kept to a minimum.

The book opens with a short History section, describing the AMX-30 origins and development. The vehicle walk around starts with AMX-30B chapter, showing the hull and turret exterior details. Of particular interest are stereoscopic rangefinders and commander's cupola. AMX-30B Interior chapter provides photos of driver's compartment but also delivers very extensive coverage of turret interior with loader's compartment, gunner's compartment and commander's compartment. The chapter on Cypriot AMX-30B follows, offering photos of the Greek National Guard vehicle taken at a scrapyard. The specific Spanish AMX-30EM2 variant is depicted next, covering the upgrade details, but also providing short info on the Spanish upgrade package. The modernized AMX-30B2 is shown in the following 38 pages. The walk around section delivers photos of the vehicle exterior, offering details of the hull (headlights, battery bay covers, driver's hatch, storage and toolboxes, engine hatch, suspension, road wheels and track links) and the turret (laser rangefinder, mantlet and barrel, 20mm coaxial gun, LLTV camera, cupola and the turret boxes). The Hispano Suiza HS 110 engine is covered as well. The AMX-30B2 Interior chapter comes next with the details of driver's compartment, CN-105-F1 gun, and the complete turret interior with the loader's compartment, gunner's compartment and commander's compartment, as well as the read turret ammo rack. 2 pages of AMX-30B2 Operation Daguet show the vehicle in its distinctive Gulf War camouflage pattern. Next up is the chapter on Cypriot AMX-30B2, showing specific modifications of Greek National Guard vehicle, with the PH.8.B infra light and armored box with FN1 7.62mm on the commander's cupola. AMX-30EBD chapter cover the vehicle fitted with Russian KMT-5 mine roller and used in Operation Daguet, providing details of the roller. The following section briefly shows AMX-30B2 DT version of the vehicle featuring mine plows and anti-light-mine magnetic detonators. The final chapter provides details on AMX-30D ARV, the recovery variant of the type.

Conclusion:

Once again WWP managed to impress me… AMX-30 in Detail (G057) provides an absolutely fantastic photo reference material covering the subject in great detail, both exterior and interior. Printed on high-quality paper, the photos are large and clear, displaying the entire vehicle but also the tiniest details from several different angles. The information supplied is kept short and concise; the intro gives interesting details on the origins of the vehicle, while the captions provide a very informative read, explaining various details presented in the photos.

Altogether, AMX-30 in Detail from WWP is a fantastic photo reference book for anyone interested in French MBTs.

SUMMARY

Highs: An awesome reference book all around with large photos showing the AMX-30 and the vehicle versions in great detail. The captions provide interesting info and complement the photos well. Lows: None.Verdict: Highly recommended.

Our Thanks to Wings & Wheels!This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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